Autoblog

Volkswagen puts a twist on its Beetle Super Bowl ad

Zach Bowman — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Humor

Volkswagen has released an extended version of its Super Bowl ad ahead of the Big Game, and it may not be what you expected. While the automaker's teaser hinted toward yet another Star Wars-themed spot after the success of last year's "The Force," the new commercial focuses instead on a pudgy puppy named Bolt. The advertisement's tagline is "Back and better than ever," and Bolt enters into a fitness montage set to some excellent James Brown tunes in order to slim down and chase after the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.

There isn't a single Star Wars reference throughout the whole clip, which may leave fans wondering exactly what that whole chorus of dogs barking in tune to the Empire's theme in the Volkswagen teaser was about. We won't spoil the twist for you, but we will say the 2012 Super Bowl ad heads toward a wretched hive of scum and villainy pretty quickly. Hit the jump for the video, as well as the full press release.

Continue reading Volkswagen puts a twist on its Beetle Super Bowl ad

Volkswagen puts a twist on its Beetle Super Bowl ad originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How Volkswagen came up with its "Bark Side" Star Wars dog ad

Zach Bowman — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Volkswagen

Volkswagen has once again proven itself capable of crafting some seriously clever advertising, and with the Super Bowl quickly approaching, all eyes have turned to the automaker to see what the company has in store this year. In order to stoke even more interest, Volkswagen has released what it calls an ad for an ad in its "The Bark Side" spot. According to Automotive News, Volkswagen wanted to get fans excited about its spot for the Super Bowl and set about casting 12 dogs. The production team specifically chose the pups based on their resemblance to certain Star Wars characters instead of their vocal ability.

The clip was then shot just like a music video, both with all the dogs together and with each of them individually. The final track was crafted using a mix of archived dog barks which were then layered with new sounds from the dogs on stage. Certain barks were then pitched to catch the tune required. Hit the jump to check out the video once again, and then click on the Automotive News link to learn more about how VW's ad came to be.

Continue reading How Volkswagen came up with its "Bark Side" Star Wars dog ad

How Volkswagen came up with its "Bark Side" Star Wars dog ad originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Bark Side: Volkswagen hounds bring back Star Wars in Super Bowl teaser

Dan Roth — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Volkswagen

Volkswagen knows how to get attention through advertising, as its latest teaser spot shows. Start with the Star Wars Imperial March to make the tighty-whities of every 40-year-old geek just a little bit tighter, and add dogs for the rest of the nation. That's how you get the undivided attention of the United States of America.

Building on the success of last year's "Tiny Vader" commercial, Volkswagen has begun the buildup to a full minute-long commercial featuring the Beetle that will debut during next month's Super Bowl. Which Beetle is the question, and Volkswagen says that on February 5th, 2012, something will be "back and better than ever."

The car that's coming back is likely to be the diesel-powered Beetle TDI, especially since the timing lines up with the Chicago Auto Show that runs from February 8th. What, you're still here? Who cares about conjecture, go watch the teaser. There are dogs dressed up like Ewoks, and there's even a little Wookie singing in there. See it after the jump.

Continue reading The Bark Side: Volkswagen hounds bring back Star Wars in Super Bowl teaser

The Bark Side: Volkswagen hounds bring back Star Wars in Super Bowl teaser originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 gets Star Wars-inspired wrap

Aaron Richardson — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 18:19:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Etc., Videos, Lamborghini, Design/Style

2009 Lamborghini LP640 Star Wars - Click above to view video after the jump

Brian Zuk wrapped a 2008 Lamborghini Murcielago LP 640 with a Star Wars-themed vinyl skin for this year's Gold Rush Rally 3. Verdict? We like.

The wrap features Clone Wars-era Jedi Order crests on the passenger side, Galactic Republic/Galactic Empire crests on the driver's side, and an overhead view of an R2 unit on the car's roof (very handy for repairing the V12's hyperdrive). If nothing else, this Lambo's a lock to score one of the prime valet spots outside Jabba's palace. Hop the jump to watch video of it in action.

Continue reading Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 gets Star Wars-inspired wrap

Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 gets Star Wars-inspired wrap originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 09 Jul 2011 18:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Greenpeace parodies Little Vader ad to show dark side of Volkswagen

Zach Bowman — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Videos, Volkswagen, Humor

Greenpeace fights the dark side - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Greenpeace has launched a parody of the Volkswagen Little Vader Super Bowl commercial. This time, the pint-sized Sith squares off against various heroes of the Rebel Alliance, including kid-form versions of Chewbacca, C-3PO, R2-D2, Princess Leia and a Jedi Knight. There's even a tiny Lando Calrissian.

Why the neighborhood throw down? According to Greenpeace, Volkswagen is opposing European legislation that would impose further limits on the amount of C02 that new vehicles are allowed to emit. The video then draws an easy parallel between VW and the Evil Empire, complete with a looming VW-badged Death Star.

If you want to watch Episode II, you'll need to sign up on the Greenpeace website. The organization will e-mail the head honchos at Volkswagen on your behalf to decry their actions, so make sure you mean it. As of the time of writing, around 21,441 "rebels" have joined the cause to watch the second video. Hit the jump to check out Episode I for yourself, and head over to the Greenpeace site for more information.

Continue reading Greenpeace parodies Little Vader ad to show dark side of Volkswagen

Greenpeace parodies Little Vader ad to show dark side of Volkswagen originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Jun 2011 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: VW releases Darth Vader commercial's deleted scenes, bloopers

John Neff — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 15:54:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Volkswagen

VW Darth Vader commercial deleted scenes and bloopers - Click above to watch the video

There are only two car commercials from the Super Bowl that we're still talking about two days later. The first is Chrysler's two-minute-long love letter from Detroit to the rest of the country starring rapper Eminem, and the other is Volkswagen's Darth Vader commercial. Searches on Autoblog for the new Passat, which the commercial happens to be advertising, jumped 270 percent on the day after it aired.

VW wants to make sure we're still talking about its new brand ambassador, six-year-old actor Max Page, a little while longer, so the company has released this cute video of bloopers from the commercial shoot and deleted scenes that didn't make the final cut. Follow the jump to see Max slip and fall, be interrupted by a Roomba and finally worshipped by his parents who now fully understand his power.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Video: VW releases Darth Vader commercial's deleted scenes, bloopers

Video: VW releases Darth Vader commercial's deleted scenes, bloopers originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 15:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Meet Max Page, Volkswagen's Darth Vader [w/video]

Zach Bowman — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Volkswagen, Celebrities

Volkswagen's "The Force" Super Bowl ad - Click above to watch video after the jump

Volkswagen was responsible for one of the more memorable Super Bowl ads Sunday night with its spot for the 2012 Passat thanks largely to the efforts of one tiny Darth Vader. As it turns out, the pint-sized Sith lord was played by none other than six-year-old Max Page. The actor got his start last year by playing Reed Hellstrom on The Young and the Restless soap opera, and according to Volkswagen, the junior thespian was nothing but professional during the Super Bowl ad shoot. Tim Ellis, Volkswagen of America vice president of marketing, said that the instant they began shooting, he knew the commercial was going to make waves.

Page is special for more than one reason. Despite a recurring role on daytime television and some excellent comedic timing, he also has a congenital heart condition that has required care at a Los Angeles Children's Hospital. Hit the jump to check out the spot one more time.

[Source: USA Today]

Continue reading Meet Max Page, Volkswagen's Darth Vader [w/video]

Meet Max Page, Volkswagen's Darth Vader [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: TomTom comes to the Dark Side with Darth Vader voice pack

Noah Joseph — Fri, 07 May 2010 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Videos, Humor

Darth Vader TomTom voice recording session - Click above to view the video after the jump

We know what you were thinking: If only my sat-nav could play Jedi mind tricks on me while I'm driving. Sounds like a good idea, no? TomTom evidently thinks so, and has worked their latest voice pack around it.

In the video after the jump, you can get a humorous inside look at the voice recording session with none other than Darth Vader, whose bellowing, heavy-breathing sound can now be added to your TomTom for the low, low price of $13. Yoda, C3PO and Han Solo (what, no Jaba?) are also available. But the next time we spin out on a patch on black ice, we'll be thinking of Vader losing it in his TIE Fighter while losing it ourselves.

[Source: TomTom via Engadget]

Continue reading Video: TomTom comes to the Dark Side with Darth Vader voice pack

Video: TomTom comes to the Dark Side with Darth Vader voice pack originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 May 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Princess Leia. Car wash. No, we're not kidding

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Celebrities

Star Wars Charity Car Wash - Click above to watch the videos after the break

It could very well be the ultimate car-obsessed/Star Wars fanboy fantasy. What is this latest object of our geekery? How about a car wash carried out by a gaggle of Princess Leias? And not just any Princess Leia, mind you, but slave Leia. We told you already: Ultimate car-obsessed Star Wars fanboy fantasy.

Not surprisingly, the fertile minds over at G4TV's Attack of the Show were behind the stunt, and proceeds from the Star Wars Charity Car Wash went to the Make A Wish Foundation. And if you're worried it was all just a horrible example of male chauvinism (yeah, it probably was), Han Solo, Darth Vader, Obi Wan, a slew of Storm Troopers and even a Tusken Raider and pair of Jawas were also present and accounted for. What, no Olivia Munn?

Video? Of course, four of them in total. See it all go down after the break.

[Source: Attack of the Show]

Continue reading Video: Princess Leia. Car wash. No, we're not kidding

Video: Princess Leia. Car wash. No, we're not kidding originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Star Wars Cobalt goes to the Dark Side of customization

Dan Roth — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Auctions, Etc., Chevrolet, Humor

Click above for gallery of the Star Wars Cobalt

Star Wars fans, behold, your dream car; too bad the listing has ended. The original owner of this particular piece of automotive art apparently had a serious love affair with George Lucas's space-themed soap opera. Painstakingly painted across the surface of this unassuming Chevy are images of Yoda, Han Solo, X-Wing fighters and other movie characters, as well as nebula and galaxies originally photographed by the Hubble Space Telescope. This would have been just the thing to drive to the theatrical premiere of the Clone Wars. A lot of work went into this paint job, though it would take a level of dedication we don't have just to own it, let alone drive it in public. After all, it's a Cobalt underneath it all, and it's emblazoned with the stigmata of the basement dweller.

Gallery: Star Wars Cobalt

[Source: eBay via Jalopnik]

eBay Star Wars Cobalt goes to the Dark Side of customization originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Feb 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This is the ride you're looking for: Electric XP-34 Landspeeder replica

Alex Nunez — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 09:20:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

Click above for more photos of Daniel Deutsch's Landspeeder

Daniel Deutsch has been building robots and other such coolness for the entertainment industry for over 20 years, and we want what's in his garage. Deutsch, in addition to building R2-D2s, has a full-scale functional replica of Luke Skywalker's XP-34 landspeeder. Instead of a repulsorlift, this speeder is powered by an electric drive system that gives him a 25 mph top speed "several miles" of range off a single charge. We assume that's enough for him to go out and retrieve Artoo when he wanders away from the homestead. (Deutsch really should slap a restraining bolt on the little guy.) And as for his speeder? Never mind the GEM, that is the ultimate NEV. On the downside, ever since the XP-38 came out, the resale value on these things sucks.

[Source: Daniel Deutsch via AutoFiends]

This is the ride you're looking for: Electric XP-34 Landspeeder replica originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 30 Aug 2008 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Have you driven a Force, lately?

Alex Nunez — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Etc., Ford

The Force is with you. Click image for more.

"This is not the Ford you're looking for."

Then again, if your level of Star Wars geekdom has reached its apex, maybe it is. Weather-beaten from exposure to too many Tatooine sandstorms, perhaps, this Econoline's custom finish is still plainly visible to all. You might not think it looks like much, but they said that about the Millenium Falcon, too.

This boxy freighter's port side is decorated with likenesses (well, they're more like approximations, really) of the aged Obi-Wan, Luke Skywalker, Threepio, and Artoo. Back towards the rear bumper, we see two members of the Mos Eisley Cantina's house band, Figrin Dan and the Modal Nodes. Unfortunately, they look more like Roswell aliens than anything else. Over to starboard, Vader looms ominously (sort of) over a battle scene showing a pair of X-Wings and a TIE Fighter with (incorrect) square solar panels. The rear hatch is decorated with Han and Chewie off to the right, the rest of the cantina band to the left, and really bad renderings of one of the other cantina creatures and what appears to be Luke with darker hair. The "Force" windows are a nice touch, as is the Rebel Alliance symbol displayed in back.

It's parked outside a Home Depot (Tosche Station must have been closed), where the owner was undoubtedly shopping for a new set of hydrospanners with which to repair the perpetually-broken hyperdrive. Maybe if he'd stop taking the thing to Lando's Garage for repairs, he'd have better luck.

Thanks to Scott for the tip and photos!

UPDATE: A commenter states that the owner of the van is -- drumroll -- a girl! And that the ride's a '78. The mural dates back to '79.

Gallery: Star Wars van

Have you driven a Force, lately? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jun 2007 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A long time ago in a parking lot far, far away...

Alex Nunez — Tue, 22 May 2007 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos

If you figured that Tattooine's Tosche Station -- where whiny young Luke Skywalker goes to score fresh power converters -- was some crappy little remote outpost, you're wrong. This is made clear in the Tyler Soper-directed Incident at Toshi Station we've embedded after the jump. In actuality, Tosche Station is just another big-box store with parking problems -- likely the result of shady backroom dealing by evil, credit-hungry Imperial real estate developers. It tells the story of one AT-AT driver's leviathan effort to move his rig out of the Tosche Station parking lot without fanfare and without causing excessive damage to the surrounding cars. It's not gonna happen. You laughing, on the other hand, is pretty much a lock. Enjoy.

[Source: Atom Films via Jalopnik]

Continue reading A long time ago in a parking lot far, far away...

A long time ago in a parking lot far, far away... originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 May 2007 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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R2-D2 rolled in style

Alex Nunez — Sat, 08 Jul 2006 14:34:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Auctions, Etc., Europe, Rolls-Royce

Steve Sansweet, break out your checkbook. The possible piece de resistance for your massive Star Wars memorabilia collection just became available, and unlike the mountains of toys and other swag that comprise most of it, this one can be driven home (well, not really, since it's in the UK, but you get my drift).

You see, Kenny Baker's old Rolls-Royce is being auctioned off. For those of you scratching your heads right now, Kenny baker is the actor who portrayed R2-D2 in all six Star Wars films. (Fun fact: Baker and C-3PO actor Anthony Daniels are the only two players to accomplish this feat.)

The car, A 1982 Rolls-Royce Corniche Mulliner Park Ward Coupe, looks to be in nice shape and is expected to pull down £11,000-13,000 when it crosses the block at the H&H auction in Buxton, England later this month. No word on whether or not the Rolls will help its new master clear Imperial checkpoints easily...

View lot details

(Pic, press release after the jump)

[Source: H&H Auctions]

Continue reading R2-D2 rolled in style

R2-D2 rolled in style originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 08 Jul 2006 14:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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